Peru move closer to World Cup with win over Colombia
Sports Desk, Jan 28 (EFE).- Edison Flores’ goal with five minutes left in regulation was enough for visiting Peru to take all 3 points from Colombia in Friday’s World Cup qualifier in Barranquilla.
The visitors improved to 20 points and are now fourth in the South American standings, a point ahead of Uruguay and 3 better than Colombia, who dropped two places to sixth as their winless streak stretched to six matches.
The hosts dominated from the start of and would end the match with 69 percent, outshooting the Peruvians 30-4.
But only two of those shots were on target and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese proved equal to the task on both occasions, denying James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao.
At the other end of the pitch, the lack of action left Colombia keeper David Ospina less than sharp and Flores, who came in at the start of the second half, bested him on the counter in the 85th minute.
The top four finishers among the 10 South American teams automatically advance to World Cup 2022 in Qatar, while the team that ends the round in fifth goes to a playoff against a side from the Asian confederation.
Brazil and Argentina have already secured their spots in Qatar. Third-place Ecuador, on 24 points, will have the chance to bolster their advantage over Peru next Tuesday. EFE sd-jga/dr
